Virginia Tech vs. Rutgers: Brief Game Preview and Prediction

Saturday, September 21st

Rutgers (+3.5) @ Virginia Tech (-3.5); o/u44.5

3:30pm ET

ACC Network

Head Coach: Greg Schiano

OC: Kirk Ciarrocca

DC: Joe Harasymiak

2023 record: 7-6 (beat VT)

Last time out for Rutgers: 49-17 W vs. Akron

1. RB #5 Kyle Monangai - At 5’9” 209 lbs Monangai is a workhorse who did some damage to the Hokies last year. KM is a top RB in the nation, and if this Hokies defense which is susceptible to long plans can't contain KM, it may be a long afternoon in Blacksburg. KM averages a whopping 8.1 yards per carry thus far in 2024. The NJ native is the best player on this Rutgers squad. 
2. QB #16 Athan Kaliakmanis - The Minnesota transfer Kaliakmanis has had a decent 2024 thus far, throwing at a 60% completion rate with 6 TDs and only one interception. While the competition has not been great for the Scarlet Nights, (Akron and Howard), AK has nonetheless been able to get into a good rhythm, seeing the ball get into the endzone. AK will make the simple plays well, but when you ask him to do too much, that's when danger comes for Rutgers. The offense leans on Kyle Monangai mostly, and does not ask too much (for a QB at least) of AK. 
3. S #4 Desmond Igbinosun - The “anchor” of this defense may just be Igbinosun. At 6’2” 215 lbs, the senior NJ native leads the team in solo tackles. He is all over the place and holds his ground in the defensive backfield. 

Rutgers is a run first team, and I wouldn't expect anything different on Saturday. Virginia Tech must stop the run if they want to win on Saturday. There will be some big plays. Minimizing them and getting crucial stops on third downs, or forcing Rutgers to throw the football is how the Hokies find success this weekend. 

Rutgers only has three sacks in two games against far inferior opponents. A shaky Virginia Tech offensive line may actually have a chance to win the battle in the trenches. Rutgers does have talent on this defense, though, much of which is in the LB room and DB room. The Hokies must get Tuten in a rhythm, hopefully opening up the play action game when needed, taking the top off of the defense.

I think this game will be won by time of possession. Both teams are going to run the football. Where the Hokies have an advantage, though, is in the passing game. I expect a low scoring affair, unless Tech can run away with this game – which I think is unlikely.

John Love will be good. That's no issue. But converting FGs into TDs is an issue the Hokies have faced all year long, and it will not fly this week against the Scarlet Knights.

Virginia Tech has a chance to finally get a win vs. a non ACC P4 opponent. This is a great opportunity, and one that the Hokies should capitalize on. 

Virginia Tech 23 - Rutgers 17